URGENT UPDATE: A school bus driver tragically died after suffering a medical emergency while driving in Verona, New York, on Monday. The incident occurred at approximately 12:25 p.m. when the bus veered into a snowbank after the driver collapsed, according to officials from the State Police.
The driver, who has not yet been publicly identified, was operating a bus contracted by the Rome City School District and owned by First Student. He was heading westbound on State Route 31 when he experienced the medical emergency.
Witnesses report that a second bus driver and a school bus aide on board rushed to assist the driver, calling 911 and administering CPR until emergency services arrived. Despite their efforts, the driver was taken to Oneida Health Hospital in Oneida, where he was pronounced dead.
Fortunately, no students were on the bus at the time of the crash, and the two other individuals aboard were unharmed. There was also no reported damage to the bus itself.
This tragic incident has raised concerns about the safety protocols in place for school transportation and the health monitoring of drivers. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event.
As this story develops, local communities are urged to keep the driver’s family in their thoughts during this difficult time. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
